Industry News

It is the owner of the PBS Member station serving northwestern Pennsylvania, and the licensee of the NPR Member station with matching call letters that signify, “We Question and Learn.”

An upgrade to the stations’ broadcast facility was necessary, with the need for additional content recording and playback channels an acute one.

The new playout channels are in place, thanks to NVerzion.

Two additional NVerzion NFinity Video Servers are now operational at WQLN-TV and WQLN-FM 91.3, in Erie, Pa.

Four playout channels are dedicated to their existing four broadcast channels, while the record ports are being utilized for satellite feeds from incoming programming networks, along with “PBS Six” content associated with these services.

The new equipment is interconnected to the existing NVerzion automation system.

WQLN currently maintains two HD channels, with “PBS Kids” on its DT2 signal; two SD channels are also on the air. All are set up as 16×9. Two playout ports are configured for SD; two are configured for 1080i HD.

Before WQLN’s master control reconfiguration in 2009, servers were dedicated to SD and HD, respectively. Two additional channels maximized the server capacity. But, issues developed such as record ports being used as playout ports, along with confusion regarding accurate content in specified locations.

Now, WQLN is able to segment and QC programs on a separate PC without tying up additional video server ports.

And, there are no transcoding conflicts.

For product information, contact Reed Haslam, Director of Sales at NVerzion, at rhaslam@nverzion.com

BOCA RATON, FLA. — Independent Prague-headquartered automation systems producer Aveco has unveiled a media asset management (MAM) tool designed for cloud, hybrid-cloud and on-premises use.

Called GEMINI, the product manages media and AI-enriched metadata, plus timeline annotations describing any frame or segment of an asset, utilizing speech-to-text transcription, subtitles, or markers (e.g., soccer goals) utilizing secure HTML5. Assets are under control across all types of storage — in the cloud, NAS and SAN, video servers, as well as LTO and non-spinning disk archives.

“The introduction of the GEMINI MAM brings powerful tools that are easy to use, so people can concentrate on the task at hand, anywhere in the world and on any browser,” Aveco CEO Pavel Potuzak said.

The architecture of GEMINI scales from thousands to millions of media assets, from tens to hundreds of users, from out-of-the-box workflows to the most complex operations involving third-party media appliances. An integrated frame-accurate proxy video editor works together with popular NLEs and online rendering services to optimize news and production workflows.

GEMINI works with all internet browsers and all operating systems, as well as tablets running Android and iOS without the need for any plugins.

For redundancy, GEMINI MAM server components use a multi-node architecture. This means that if a node goes down, the remaining nodes continue to provide all services without interruption. Additionally, performance can be easily scaled up by simply adding more nodes.

Despite its San Fernando Valley contact number, AVECO maintains a U.S. operational center in Doral, Fla. It can be reached at 1-818-292-1489.

Telestream has released new enhancements to its IQ family of monitoring products and systems, a move the company says answers the need for enhanced VOD and Live monitoring capabilities for content owners, aggregators, CDN operators and subscription service providers.

“These enhancements provide users with increased visibility, reporting and analytics within their VOD networks,” the Nevada City, Calif.-based company says. “They empower users to drill down for additional proofs of performance, availability, and validation of live and on-demand offerings, providing more granular ways to find and fix faults fast.”

Telestream’s IQ VOD monitoring solution provides lightweight analysis focused on speed to determine content accessibility, ABR packaging, and quick audio and video checks, with results available in a single consolidated report. Long term analysis and diagnostics reporting is also available.

The solution is strategically positioned for validating large VOD content libraries, keeping pace with new content as it becomes available. “By taking advantage of the different monitoring methods and scheduling inherent within the Telestream solution, users can harness resources efficiently to make the most of their monitoring investment while limiting the impact on streaming services,” the company notes.

With the VOD monitoring platform, it is a straightforward task to automate the entire process using the open API, reviewing results in a consolidated report that takes no integration effort or additional data processing.

For live applications, the latest enhancements include expanded codec monitoring, including support for HEVC 4:2:2 profile. Enhancements also include additional pre-compression rapid pixel analysis of I-Frames. Should a closer analysis be required, clicking the MOS Level 2 option allows analysis of I, B and P frames without disrupting hundreds of other sources that may be running concurrently. This assures there aren’t issues that will be harder to identify once compressed.

Post-compression, spatial and other compression introduced issues can be analyzed and dealt with prior to moving the content on, where jitter, buffer, timing, and other factors can continue to be monitored and diagnosed.

Ability to check and validate the integrity of the content through multiple packagers, CDNs and distributors, enables a provider to better see what the customer experience will be and provides peace of mind, protection of revenue and proofs of performance.

“The recent announcement of AT&T’s WarnerMedia and Discovery merger accelerates global plans for direct-to-consumer products,” said Matthew Driscoll, Director of Product Management at Telestream. “Media giants are creating deep content libraries and establishing their brands across programming categories. The volume of content and complex distribution networks required to reach consumers drives the need for new tools. Tools that can assist operators in this massive transition and ensure a high-quality user experience in a wildly competitive landscape. Market and technology shifts like these are the driving force behind this VOD and live monitoring initiative at Telestream.”

Orban Labs, the maker of audio processing systems for AM, FM, DAB+, HD Radio, television and Internet broadcasting, is “reorganizing” sales of its PCn1600 audio processing software.

Translation: years of exclusivity have ended for two entities that had exclusive sales licenses.

For several years, Modulation Index and StreamS had an exclusive license to sell PCn1600 processing; that exclusivity ended last week.

“All Orban dealers worldwide can now add our PCn1600 to their Orban product portfolio,” said Orban President David Day. “PCn1600 users have enjoyed the clarity and intelligibility that only Orban can provide, and we want them to continue offering this high quality to their listeners.”

It is Orban’s understanding that Modulation Index and StreamS will continue to support their existing PCn1600 users, Day added.

PCn1600 was developed by Bob Orban to bring the company’s audio processing technology to audio streaming operating natively on Windows PC platforms.

Orban has used variants of the PCn1600 in its XPN-AM processor and in the Linux-based Ross RSAP.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA — Global codec manufacturer Tieline has released new firmware v3.02.06 — supporting a range of new features in Gateway and Gateway 4 codecs.

Major features in this release include:

• Support for NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 (Networked Media Open Specifications).
• Support for up to 8 channels of digital phase-locked multichannel audio, including 6 channel (5.1 or 6.0) or 8 channel (7.1 or 8.0) surround sound streams in Gateway, or 4 channel phase-locked streams in Gateway and Gateway 4.
• Dynamic range Compressor and EQ on all inputs.
• SmartStream PLUS redundant streaming support for multi-unicast streams.
• Support for Euro ISDN connections.

“This is a significant release which supports features like NMOS, and up to 8 channels of phase-locked multi-channel IP audio, which will excite broadcast engineers,” said Charlie Gawley, VP of Sales for the APAC/EMEA regions. “Processing features like input compression and EQ, that can be adjusted from anywhere online using the Toolbox web-GUI interface, also take remote control to another level.”

Support for NMOS IS-04 and IS-05 in the Gateway platform ensures that components of a networked media system can find each other and delivers connection management and audio channel mapping to device I/O channels. Combined with support for 16 AES67/ST 2110-30 AoIP streams, NMOS brings networked equipment capabilities.

Support of phase-locked AoIP streaming allows broadcasters to stream live events like concerts and major sports in stereo and surround sound simultaneously, or distribute live phase-locked audio between studios or network affiliates. A 16 channel Gateway codec supports sending 2 x 6 + 2 channels of phase-locked streams, or 2 x 8 channels of phase-locked streams, or 4 x 4 channels of phase-locked streams.

The new release is a free upgrade for existing customers.

• For USA, Canada & Latin America contact: sales@tieline.com 

KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY — Media and entertainment technology company Evertz has turned on the lights for the first time at its newly equipped DreamCatcher Training Center (DCTC) in Bavaria’s chief metropolitan area, Munich.

As a provider of hardware and software-based live production workflow tools, Evertz says this will assist the company in offering broadcasters and content providers a new resource to assist in the creation of “high quality content at unprecedented speeds.”

“We understand that moving to a new live production platform not only requires technical excellence, but is also based on operators who know the platform inside and out and feel confident to operate it in a very fast and efficient way,” said Sebastian Ruchti, Sales
Engineer at DACH. “Therefore we decided to set up a DreamCatcher ecosystem here in Munich that can host multiple operators, that not only allows operators to come in and familiarize with the system locally, but also allow customers to discover our award-winning
BRAVO Studio workflow remotely from anywhere.”

DreamCatcher is located in Munich’s SpaceNet Building, in the heart of a burgeoning north Schwabing tech center that includes Amazon and Microsoft offices some 25 minutes north of Marienplatz via the U6. “The DCTC has connectivity to perform full remote production
workflow-based demonstrations of Evertz’ XPS RealTime UHD/3G/HD Streaming Platform and BRAVO Studio platforms,” the company says.

XPS is Evertz’ next-generation UHD/3G/HD streaming platform that uses SRT, RIST and Zixi for secure and reliable contribution over IP networks with ultra-low latency. XPS is a software-defined HEVC and H.264 real-time encoding/decoding platform that Evertz believes is ideal for live or cloud-based applications where secure, high quality and low-latency is essential.

— Weekly Tech Roundup European News Desk

To learn more about the DreamCatcherTM Live Production platform, visit evertz.com/applications/live-production/. 

U.S. Sales Contact: 1-877-995-3700
sales@evertz.com

BOCA RATON, FLA. — In November 2017, he ended his business partnership with John Caracciolo. This led Vic Latino — legally known as Victor Canales — to create his own media company with a Palm Beach County-based AM as its foundation.

Now, Canales is selling that AM, along with one of the two FM translators his company uses to serve the market with a unique “Quality Rock” format that’s failed to attract audiences since its debut.

Please Login to view this premium content. (Not a member? Join Today!)

Readers of my articles featuring DIY projects may be interested in trying their hand at creating a device from scratch. A great place to start is with a clear, well-drawn schematic.

For the last several years, I’ve relied on ExpressPCB for creating the necessary diagrams and circuit board layouts for my projects. As with any DIY application such as this, there are numerous such tools available, and most will do nicely. It mostly comes down to personal preference and workflow.

I asked some of my buddies at www.groupdiy.com for their recommendations and I got several, a few of which I’ll discuss along with one or two I found on my own.

This is by no means a comprehensive list and is not intended to be a review. It’s a sampling of recommended tools available.

Preliminaries

A couple guys I chatted with still rely on a hardware-based solution, otherwise known as good old-fashioned pencil and paper.

There’s a lot to be said for that. The learning curve is determined only by one’s knowledge of electronics, which is a given at this stage. There’s nothing to download, no parts library to maintain, and custom or oddball components are easily created.

The downside is that all but minor changes in the schematic can require starting over, or trying to read through a mess of eraser smudges. And in my experience, the only professionals with handwriting as bad as doctors are engineers!

Using software to create schematics may take a little longer, but the effort often streamlines the completion of the project. The programs I tried all come with PCB creation tools that allow finished schematics to be ported in from their own or third-party software. They also allow for designs to be exported for manufacturing purposes, if the project moves beyond the DIY stage.

In order to test the various programs, I took a design for a simple bipolar power supply I’ve used in several builds, and I tried to recreate both the schematic and the PCB in each program.

Since it was originally created using ExpressPCB I’ll start there.

ExpressPCB

The free download of ExpressPCB (www.expresspcb.com) installs two separate programs on your PC. (There are no Mac or Linux versions as of this writing.)

ExpressSCH handles the creation of schematics. It includes a library of commonly used parts, and users can also create custom components. ExpressPCB can import those schematics, or users can work from scratch. Again, custom components can be created.

The classic version of the software can accommodate PCBs up to four layers, while the “plus” version can handle six. The “plus” version also has a larger library, can copy and paste between designs, and can provide silkscreen patterns for both top and bottom layers.

The interface is pretty intuitive, but the online documentation will walk users through the more complicated features.

ExpressPCB offers a manufacturing service for completed designs, but it’s also easy to print what’s needed for etching boards at home.

KiCad

Next up is KiCad, available as a free download from www.kicad.org. KiCad is open source and available for PC, Mac or Linux.

The schematic program, called Eeschema, includes a large parts library, plus the ability to match schematic symbols with specific PCB footprints. This facilitates PCB design by automatically including the correct footprint for each component, and aiding in trace layout. It also includes design rules checks to keep mistakes to a minimum, and a circuit simulator to test designs.

Another interesting feature is the 3D Viewer, which allows users to envision how a populated board will look, a big help with figuring out how much space the project will take up inside the chassis.

KiCad also exports Gerber files and provides printouts for home etching.

EasyEDA

EasyEDA (www.easyeda.com) also is available for PC, Mac and Linux. It comes in two versions: the Desktop Client and the Online Editor.

The Online Editor allows users to work on designs from anywhere they have internet. Both versions also allow for team collaboration.

The program includes links to a user forum as well as tutorial videos for help with designs. Like KiCad it also has a 3D viewer, design rules checks and Gerber export capability, as well as a large parts library with matching component footprints for PCB work. Multiple PCB layers are supported.

DesignSpark

DesignSpark comes from a partnership between RS Components and Allied Electronics.  The software requires free registration at www.rs-online.com/designspark/home. The site offers a vast library of tutorials, projects and other information for DIY.

The schematic software includes a good-sized parts list, and like KiCad and EasyEDA it includes footprints for common components. Like the others, it includes a 3D viewer, design rules checks and Gerber output, as well as multilayer board support.

DesignSpark also includes a Design Calculator tab, which includes not only a scientific calculator but also calculators for trace width and impedance, RCL frequencies, heat sink values and common conversions. On the schematic side, it includes a Spice simulator.

Eagle

Finally there’s Eagle by Autodesk (eagle.autodesk.com). This free download includes almost all the same features as KiCad, EasyEDA and DesignSpark.

Schematics can be created from a vast library of components that include footprints for automatically porting into the PCB side of things. Dozens of possible layers are supported, as well as error correction and virtual test probes.

Another handy feature is the ability to create what are referred to as “design blocks.”  These are essentially electronic sub-assemblies that can be saved as standalone components. For example, if several designs use the same power supply or output stage, that section can be saved as a block, rather than having to redraw it every time.

There is one drawback to this program: the free version limits the size of PCBs to 100 x 80 mm.

Again this is by no means an exhaustive list of available programs. All of these will certainly get the job done. Some have a much steeper learning curve than others, mostly due to the sheer number of features and options.

It really comes down to each DIYer’s preferences and workflow. I’ll likely stick with ExpressPCB, simply because I’m used to it.

There were some nifty features in the others but none that I couldn’t live without. I especially liked the 3D viewers, and while it took a while to find the right parts, having specific footprints for specific parts took a lot of the trial and error out of fitting everything on to the board. On the other hand, most of my projects are not as complex as the majority of these programs are designed to deal with.

If you’re looking to take your schematics to the next level, it costs nothing but time to try any of these solutions.

Do you have a program you prefer? Tell us about it at rweetech@gmail.com.

Curt Yengst, CSRE, is engineer for Lighthouse TV in Allentown, Pa.

The post Software Solutions for DIY Projects appeared first on Radio World.

Public broadcasting welcomed another station into its fold when Purdue University agreed to have its student station operated by a nonprofit media company.

On July 1 Purdue announced that it signed a letter of intent to enter an agreement for WBAA radio to be acquired by Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media (MIPM). The nonprofit currently operates WFYI(TV) public broadcasting in central Indiana. The goal, Purdue said in a statement, is to enhance WBAA’s public service while preserving WBAA’s local heritage.

It’s a station with a storied history. WBAA(AM) is Indiana’s longest continuously operating radio station after receiving its broadcast license in1922 followed by WBAA(FM) in 1993. The AM station was one of several that went on the air by land-grant schools in the early days of radio.

Under the agreement, WBAA will maintain its call letters, its physical presence in greater Lafayette, as well as the mainstay of programming including local news and reporting, NPR and global news and classical music.

MIPM is expected to assume operations of WBAA on or around Oct. 1 pending approval by Purdue’s Board of Trustees and approval of the license transfer by the Federal Communications Commission.

“We are so pleased to work with Purdue University … on preserving its public service mission through WBAA,” said Greg Petrowich, president and CEO of MIPM. “Through this agreement, we will strengthen and build on WBAA’s commitment to listeners and the communities served by WFYI and WBAA.”

A series of other enhancements are expected as well. For one, Purdue students in the Brian Lamb School of Communication will have access to expanded learning and development opportunities with WBAA and through the larger MIPM and WFYI networks, and program and underwriting partners will gain access to a broader listenership via shared programming that will also air on WFYI stations.

“Like we’ve seen done at many other higher education institutions, Purdue University has been looking for a public radio partner to lead WBAA toward its next 100 years in greater Lafayette,” said R. Ethan Braden, Purdue senior vice president for marketing and communications. “[W]e believe this agreement represents enhanced opportunities for our students, it preserves the experience that listeners enjoy today, and it extends WBAA’s reach and public service offerings.”

The post Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media to Take Reins of Purdue Station appeared first on Radio World.

Sage Alerting Systems has issued two pieces of information for users of Sage Digital ENDEC Model 3644 in the United States.

One is that a signing certificate used by FEMA to validate CAP alerts will expire on Aug. 21, so Sage released a free firmware update for Rev95 that must be installed to permit an ENDEC to continue to receive EAS CAP alerts from FEMA. The CR-Rev6 update can be installed at any time before then.

[Read: National EAS Test Will Focus on Broadcast Chain]

Sage noted that the upcoming national EAS test on Aug. 11 will not use Common Alerting Protocol, so users do not need to install the firmware update by then. But users must already be running the Rev95 release to install this update.

Second, Sage reminded its users that the next National Periodic Test will be sent via the Primary Entry Point network on Aug. 11 at 2:20 p.m. EDT, and it said users should do the following:

1) Check the log to make sure that you are receiving weekly tests from your monitor assignments, and that you have been originating weekly tests and relaying Monthly Tests as required by your license type.

2) Make sure the ENDEC has a filter to receive and relay the NPT. The easiest way to check this is to access the ENDEC with a web browser. From the main page, click the Tools button on the left column, then click the “Verify Req” button. If you see “Your ENDEC will meet the FCC requirements for the National Periodic Test” on the last line, your ENDEC is ready.

Questions about Sage EAS can be emailed to support@sagealertingsystems.com.

The post Sage Alerting Issues Firmware Update appeared first on Radio World.